“The best way to continue working on these requirements is not by way of pressure or to seize and occupy public offices,” said Carlos Romero, minister of government. “It’s not by destroying of public property, by burning documents — it’s not the way.”

Protesting police are in charge of controlling the massive demonstrations that occur frequently in La Paz.

Members of Bolivia’s armed forces have taken over many of the tasks performed by police.

Ombudsman Rolando Villena raised concerns about citizen safety.

“We are concerned about the helplessness in which the population is in,” he said. “The absence of protection by the police. We call upon both parties to seek a solution within the framework of dialogue.”